Liquid-Level Valve Control for Power-Free Fluid Flow Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid flow control systems require manual adjustment or electrical power to manage varying fluid flow rates based on changing conditions, which can be time-consuming, burdensome, or unreliable, especially in situations without access to electricity.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a container with a user-adjustable outlet and a valve that controls fluid flow based on the liquid level in the container, using a return line to divert excess fluid back into the container, thereby automating fluid flow adjustments without the need for electricity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual valve control is used to adjust fluid delivery for varying circumstances, then the system can adapt to changing conditions, but the operation becomes time-consuming and burdensome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to changing conditionsVSAvoidmanual adjustment burden

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The valve system automatically adjusts fluid delivery based on liquid level without requiring manual intervention. The float mechanism self-regulates the valve opening and closing based on the container's liquid level, eliminating the need for users to manually monitor and adjust the system for varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates a float that provides continuous feedback on the liquid level to the valve mechanism. When the liquid level changes, the float moves accordingly and automatically signals the valve to adjust its position, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing conditions without manual input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Extent of automation

If electrically controlled valve systems are used to automate fluid delivery, then manual operation becomes unnecessary, but the system becomes unusable when electrical power is not available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated fluid flow controlVSAvoidusability without electrical power

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces electrical actuation mechanisms with a purely mechanical float-operated valve system. The float physically connects to the valve mechanism through mechanical linkages, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, or electrical power while maintaining automated control based on liquid level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical valve system is self-actuating through the float mechanism that automatically opens and closes the valve based on liquid level without requiring external power sources. This ensures continuous reliability whether electrical power is available or not.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12339683B2Fluid flow control based on a liquid level in a container

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 SITZ JUSTIN C

AI summary

Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for fluid flow control. A container is shaped to receive a liquid, and includes an outlet configured to allow the liquid to exit the container. The outlet may be user-adjustable to adjust a rate at which the liquid exits the container. A valve is configured to control a fluid flow based on a liquid level in the container. An output line coupled to the valve is configured to convey the fluid flow from the valve to a location outside the container. The location outside the container does not receive the liquid directly from the outlet.